Key Takeaways
- Chris Hemsworth says he has “a couple more” Thor appearances planned after Avengers: Doomsday.
- Avengers: Secret Wars is likely one of those upcoming projects.
- Hemsworth teased a “unique” evolution for the God of Thunder.
- Marvel Studios may shift Thor’s tone following mixed reactions to Thor: Love and Thunder.
- Avengers: Doomsday hits theaters December 18, 2026.
The Marvel Cinematic Universe isn’t saying goodbye to Thor anytime soon.
In a recent appearance on the SmartLess podcast while promoting his upcoming film Crime 101, Chris Hemsworth revealed that he’s not done playing the God of Thunder — even after Avengers: Doomsday.
When podcast host Sean Hayes pointed out that Doomsday would mark Hemsworth’s tenth appearance as Thor, the actor hinted there are still more to come.
“Yeah… it’s wild,” Hemsworth said, confirming there are “a couple more times” he’ll return as Thor.
For Marvel fans — and for actors watching long-running franchise careers — that’s major news.
Will There Be a Thor 5?
While Hemsworth didn’t confirm a standalone Thor 5, speculation is already growing.
One of his upcoming appearances will almost certainly be “Avengers: Secret Wars,” the next massive crossover event following Doomsday. But his comments suggest the door is open beyond that.
Given Marvel’s track record of character reinvention and multiverse storytelling, Thor could evolve yet again.
A “Unique” Evolution for Thor
Hemsworth also teased that the character’s next chapter will feel different.
He shared that he recently spoke with Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige, who acknowledged that audiences now expect bold tonal shifts from Thor.
“Whatever we do next—we’ve got some ideas to do something pretty unique again and hopefully be different.”
That word — unique — is key.
Thor has undergone one of the most dramatic evolutions in the MCU:
- “Thor” (2011): Shakespearean, serious, mythic
- “Thor: Ragnarok” (2017): Bold comedic reinvention under Taika Waititi
- “Thor: Love and Thunder” (2022): Over-the-top humor with mixed audience reaction
Hemsworth admitted that while Ragnarok was widely praised for its tonal shift, Love and Thunder may have pushed the comedy too far.
“It was kind of like a Monty Python sketch… we took the piss probably a little much.”
The backlash served as a reminder that even superhero franchises must balance humor with emotional stakes.
Why Thor’s Longevity Matters in Hollywood
In today’s entertainment industry, franchise sustainability is everything.
With:
- Robert Downey Jr. returning as Doctor Doom
- Chris Evans reprising Captain America
- Speculation around Mark Ruffalo and Jeremy Renner’s future
Marvel’s core Avengers continue to anchor box office strategy.
Hemsworth’s continued involvement signals Marvel’s confidence in Thor as a long-term character — especially as multiverse storytelling allows for reinvention without full reboots.
For actors and creatives in the industry, Thor’s evolution is a case study in:
- Character rebranding
- Audience tone calibration
- Franchise longevity
- Creative flexibility within studio systems
The MCU has allowed Hemsworth to explore multiple tonal directions, working with directors like:
- Kenneth Branagh (classical, mythic tone)
- Taika Waititi (irreverent comedy)
- The Russo Brothers (balanced tragedy and humor)
That range is rare in blockbuster franchises.
What to Expect from Avengers: Doomsday
While plot details remain under wraps, early teasers suggest another large-scale multiversal storyline.
Industry insiders expect:
- Major character crossovers
- Legacy hero returns
- A darker tone compared to recent MCU entries
Given Hemsworth’s comments, fans may see a more grounded, emotionally layered Thor — similar to his portrayal in Infinity War and Endgame, which balanced humor with loss and trauma.
Avengers: Doomsday is set to release on December 18, 2026.
The Future of Thor in the MCU
Hemsworth has now played Thor for over 15 years — one of the longest-running superhero portrayals in modern cinema.
And he doesn’t sound ready to retire.
Between:
- Multiverse storytelling
- Character reinvention
- Potential standalone sequels
- Ensemble crossover events
Thor remains one of Marvel’s most flexible and commercially viable heroes.
For Marvel Studios, the message is clear: audiences still want the God of Thunder — just with the right balance of heart, humor, and stakes.
Stay tuned for more updates as Marvel reveals additional details about Avengers: Doomsday and the future of Thor.
